Cuero dentist charged with inappropriate contact with patient

A Cuero dentist has been charged with inappropriate contact with a patient during a dental procedure.

Robert Barth was arrested Jan. 24 and charged with assault by contact, according to a news release from the Cuero Police Department.

He was released from the DeWitt County Detention Center after posting bail later that day.

The warrant for Barth, 51, was issued as the result of a complaint filed by one of the dentist's patients, according to the news release.

Cuero resident Monica Nicholas, another of Barth's patients, said she was stunned by his arrest.

"He's the best dentist I've been to and really saved me last year," she said. "I don't know what happened exactly, so I can't pass judgment on it. But I honestly am shocked by it all."

The offense, a Class C misdemeanor, is defined by the Texas Penal Code as intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with another when the actor knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative.

The maximum penalty for assault by contact is a $500 fine.

Barth has been licensed as a dentist in Texas since 1986. Reached by telephone, Barth referred the Advocate to Victoria attorney George Filley.

Filley said he has been contacted by Barth concerning the case.

"I am looking into the allegation, but I am not prepared to comment any further at this time," Filley said.